When Rebecca Yarros released the special edition of Fourth Wing featuring three bonus chapters from Xaden Riorson’s point of view, we finally got to step inside the shadows and see the story from his side. This is the closest we get to hearing what Xaden never says out loud.
Contents
These chapters — Chapters 9, 16, and 27 — don’t change the core plot, but they deepen the emotional stakes, reveal Xaden’s internal struggles, and add new layers to his relationship with Violet that we could only speculate about before.
If you’ve already read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, these bonus chapters feel like unlocking hidden character insight that makes a reread even richer.
- There are three official Fourth Wing bonus chapters: 9, 16, and 27
- All bonus chapters are told from Xaden Riorson’s POV
- The chapters deepen the romance and emotional stakes
- You can read the chapters in the special edition or on Rebecca Yarros’ website
⚠️ Major spoilers ahead for Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.
Quick Answer: Which Chapters Are the Fourth Wing Bonus Chapters?
The Fourth Wing bonus content includes three Xaden POV chapters:
Together, these chapters trace the evolution of Violet and Xaden’s relationship. From early tension to a bond that becomes impossible to ignore.
Why These Bonus Chapters Matter
Rebecca Yarros carefully chose bonus chapters to add depth without revealing later-series details. With Chapter 27 included, the bonus content now covers three different stages of Xaden’s arc: early tension (9), the bond intensifying (16), and the emotional tipping point (27).
Fourth Wing Bonus Chapter 9 Summary (Xaden POV)
The First Real Spark
Chapter 9 centers on the sparring scene—the first time Violet and Xaden truly connect on a personal level during training. From Violet’s perspective, the scene is full of tension and confusion, but from Xaden’s POV, we see something entirely different: careful restraint and immediate fascination.
What becomes clear is that Xaden is already far more aware of Violet than he lets on. His thoughts reveal a mix of curiosity, attraction, and protective instinct, even as he maintains his intimidating exterior.
Why He Calls Her “Violence”
One of the most iconic moments from the scene is when he calls Violet “Violence.” From his perspective, the nickname isn’t just teasing — it reflects how he sees her strength, determination, and hidden ferocity.
The bonus chapter adds emotional context to what originally felt like simple banter, showing that he recognizes her potential early on.
The Careful Fighter
Readers also get confirmation that Xaden is extremely controlled during the sparring match. His internal dialogue shows that he’s intentionally holding back, aware of both her physical limitations and her resilience.
This reinforces how protective he is even before their relationship develops.
Early Signs of Attraction
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Chapter 9 is how undeniable his attraction is. While Violet experiences confusion and frustration, Xaden is already acutely aware of the pull between them — and how dangerous it could become.
Fourth Wing Bonus Chapter 16 Summary (Xaden POV)
After Threshing — Everything Changes
From Xaden’s perspective, this moment carries enormous weight. His thoughts reveal both awe and concern, as he understands better than anyone what their connection could mean politically and personally.
Chapter 16 takes place after the dragons bond, when Violet and Xaden become tethered through Tairn and Sgaeyl.
His True Thoughts on Dain
The confrontation involving Dain hits very differently through Xaden’s eyes. We see his frustration and distrust much more clearly, adding context to the tension between the two characters.
It highlights how protective he already feels toward Violet, even when he tries to remain emotionally distant.
Seeing Violet Through His Eyes
One of the most compelling aspects of Chapter 16 is how Xaden perceives Violet. His internal narration emphasizes her strength, intelligence, and resilience, showing that his respect for her goes far beyond attraction.
It’s clear that he sees her as far more than the fragile rider others assume her to be.
The Jealousy Moment
The infamous moment involving Dain carries a sharper emotional edge from Xaden’s POV. Readers get a glimpse of his jealousy and the intensity of his feelings — something he rarely allows himself to show outwardly.
This adds vulnerability to a character who often appears completely controlled.
Fourth Wing Bonus Chapter 27 Summary (Xaden POV)
A turning point in Xaden’s feelings
If Chapters 9 and 16 are about spark and realization, Chapter 27 is where things shift into something heavier. This POV makes it clear that Violet isn’t just a complication in Xaden’s life anymore — she’s becoming the center of it, whether he wants that or not.
Protectiveness vs duty
Chapter 27 leans into Xaden’s most interesting conflict: he’s a strategist, a leader, and someone carrying responsibilities bigger than romance… and yet his instincts keep snapping back to Violet. His thoughts reveal how quickly his priorities reorder themselves when she’s at risk.
It’s not just “I want her.” It’s “I can’t lose her,” and that’s a much more dangerous kind of attachment.
The emotional stakes rise
What makes this chapter hit is the contrast between how controlled Xaden looks from the outside and how intense his internal narration is. You feel the weight of everything he’s not saying out loud — the longing, the fear, and the sense that he’s already crossing lines he swore he wouldn’t.
What we learn about Xaden in Chapter 27
This bonus chapter adds clarity to things readers already suspected:
- His feelings have moved beyond attraction into something protective and personal.
- Violet affects his decision-making more than he’s comfortable admitting.
- He’s not only battling enemies — he’s battling himself.
- The bond between them is no longer theoretical. It’s present, active, and impossible to ignore.
For a lot of readers, Chapter 27 is the one that makes you reread earlier scenes and realize Xaden was never as detached as he pretended to be.
What the Bonus Chapters Reveal About Xaden
1. He Notices Violet Immediately
The chapters confirm that his attention toward Violet begins much earlier than she realizes.
2. His Control Is Intentional
His calm, intimidating demeanor masks constant calculation and restraint.
3. His Feelings Develop Gradually but Deeply
The bonus scenes show the progression from curiosity to genuine emotional investment.
4. His Bond With Sgaeyl Is Fascinating
We also get small glimpses into how their dragon-rider connection functions, adding depth to the worldbuilding.
Why the Bonus Chapters Matter for the Series
While not essential to understanding the plot, these chapters enrich the emotional experience of Fourth Wing by:
- Adding romantic depth
- Clarifying character motivations
- Strengthening the tension between Violet and Xaden
- Providing insight into Xaden’s internal conflict
They also make certain moments in Iron Flame feel more emotionally grounded when viewed in hindsight.
Where to Read the Fourth Wing Bonus Chapters
Special Edition Fourth Wing
The bonus chapters were originally released in the special edition hardcover.
Official Digital Release
Good news: you don’t need a special edition to read them. Rebecca Yarros has made the Xaden POV bonus chapters available on her official website, where you can read or download them in one place.
Key Takeaways
- There are three official Fourth Wing bonus chapters: 9, 16, and 27
- All are told from Xaden Riorson’s POV
- They deepen the romance and emotional stakes
- Chapter 27 shows the biggest shift in Xaden’s feelings
- The chapters are available in the special edition and on the author’s website
FAQ — Fourth Wing Bonus Chapters
Are the Fourth Wing bonus chapters canon?
Yes, they are official scenes written by Rebecca Yarros.
Do the bonus chapters contain spoilers for Iron Flame?
They avoid major spoilers but deepen character understanding.
Are the bonus chapters necessary to understand the story?
No, but they enhance the emotional experience significantly.
Are all Fourth Wing bonus chapters from Xaden’s POV?
Yes, all currently released bonus chapters — Chapters 9, 16, and 27 — are told from Xaden Riorson’s perspective.
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